Apple seeds second public beta version of watchOS 7

Credit: Apple

The watchOS 7 beta can be downloaded from the Apple Beta Software Program website. Thursday's release comes two days after Apple released the fifth developer beta of watchOS 7.

It's advised that users exercise caution with the watchOS 7 public beta, since the upgrade is one-way and there is no option to downgrade to earlier versions of watchOS.

The Apple Watch operating system is the last of Apple's platforms to have a public beta testing debut. Releases of watchOS 7 public betas have also been slower than other updates. The public beta is on its second version, while the developer beta is on its fifth. Apple released public betas for its other releases on Wednesday.

Set to arrive alongside iOS 14 and other software updates in the fall, watchOS 7 introduces a new Sleep Tracking feature and a volume safety alert to protect a user's hearing. Additional features include new fitness and workout options, refinements to Apple Maps and Siri, a hand-washing timer, new watch faces.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly suggest users avoid installing betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, due to the potential for data loss or other issues. It is instead recommended to install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to ensure there are sufficient backups of important data beforehand.